Intercession

Introduction and Exhortation to Pray for the Whole Lost World of Mankind

Of the Fifth Part of Prayer, which is Intercession, or Address and Supplication to God for Others
The Lord Jesus has taught us to pray, not only with, but for others; and the apostle has appointed us to make supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18(ESV)and many of his prayers in his epistles are for his friends. And we must not think that when we are in this part of prayer, we may let fall our fervency and be more indifferent because we ourselves are not immediately concerned in it; but rather, let a holy fire of love, both to God and man, here make our devotion yet more warm and lively.
1.0 We must pray for the whole world of mankind, the lost world; and thus, we must honor everyone, and, according to our capacity, do good to everyone.

We pray, as we are taught, for all people, believing that this is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth and of Jesus Christ, 1 Timothy 2:3-4(ESV) who gave himself as a ransom for all. 1 Timothy 2:6(ESV)

O look with compassion upon the world that lies in the power of the evil one, 1 John 5:19(ESV) and let the ruler of this world be cast out, who has blinded their minds. 2 Corinthians 4:4(ESV)

O let your way be known on earth, Psalm 67:2(ESV) that barbarous nations may be civilized, and those who live without God in the world may be brought to the service of the living God; Ephesians 2:12(ESV) and thus, let your saving power be known among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; yes, let all the peoples praise you: O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Psalm 67:2-4(ESV)

O let your salvation and your righteousness be revealed in the sight of the nations, and let all the ends of the earth see the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:2-3(ESV)

O make the nations your Son’s heritage, and the ends of the earth his possession; Psalm 2:8(ESV) for you have said, “It is too light a thing for him to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel”; but you will make him as a light for the nations. Isaiah 49:6(ESV)

Let all the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of the Lord and of his Christ. Revelation 11:15(ESV)

Pray for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Lands

2.0 For the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts and the enlargement of the church by the bringing in of many to it.

O let the gospel be proclaimed to the whole creation; Mark 16:15(ESV) for how are men to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15(ESV) And who shall send out laborers but the Lord of the harvest? Matthew 9:38(ESV)

Let the people dwelling in darkness see a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them let a light dawn. Matthew 4:16(ESV)

Add to your church day by day those who are being saved; Acts 2:47(ESV)enlarge the place of its tent, lengthen its cords, and strengthen its stakes. Isaiah 54:2(ESV)

Bring your offspring from the east and gather them from the west; say to the north, “Give up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring your sons from afar and your daughters from the end of the earth.” Isaiah 43:5-6(ESV) Let them come with acceptance to your altar, and beautify your beautiful house; let them fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows. Isaiah 60:7-8(ESV)

In every place let incense be offered to your name, and pure offerings; and from the rising of the sun to its setting, let your name be great among the nations, Malachi 1:11(ESV) and let the offering of the Gentiles be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16(ESV)

O let the earth be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Pray for Jewish Conversions, Churches Threatened by Islam, and Churches on the Mission Field

3.0 For the conversion of the Jews.

Let the branches which are broken off not continue in their unbelief, Romans 11:17(ESV) but be grafted in again into their own olive tree. And though a partial hardening has come upon Israel, yet let the fullness of the Gentiles come in, and let all Israel be saved. Romans 11:23-26(ESV)

Let them be made to look on him whom they have pierced; Zechariah 12:10(ESV)and, that they turn to the Lord, let the veil which lies over their hearts be removed. 2 Corinthians 3:15-16(ESV)
4.0 For all churches that are groaning under the yoke of Islamic tyranny.

Let the churches of Asia, that were golden lampstands, Revelation 1:11-12(ESV)which the Lord Jesus delighted to walk among, be made so again. Revelation 2:1(ESV)

Restore to them their liberties as at the first, and their privileges as at the beginning; smelt away their dross, and remove all their alloy, Isaiah 1:25-26(ESV) and restore their fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Psalm 126:4(ESV)
5.0 For the churches on the mission field.

Be the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; Psalm 65:5(ESV) and let them have the blessing which came upon the head of Joseph and upon the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers, even to the bounties of the everlasting hills. Genesis 49:26(ESV)

Create peace to the far, as well as to the near. Isaiah 57:19(ESV)

And let those that draw from the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand, call the people to the mountain, that they may offer right sacrifices. Deuteronomy 33:19(ESV)

Pray for the Universal Church

6.0 For the universal church, wherever dispersed, and for all the interests of it.

Our heart’s desire and prayer to God for the gospel-Israel is that it may be saved. Romans 10:1(ESV)

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Psalm 51:18(ESV) Peace be within her walls and security within her towers. For our brothers and companions’ sake, we will now say, “Peace be within her.” Psalm 122:7-8(ESV)

O that we may see the prosperity of the gospel-Jerusalem all the days of our life and peace upon Israel. Psalm 128:5-6(ESV) And that, thus, we may have reason to answer the messengers of the nations, saying, “The LORD has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people find refuge.” Isaiah 14:32(ESV)

Save your people, O Lord, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28:9(ESV) Give strength to your people, and bless your people with peace; Psalm 29:11(ESV) cover them with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12(ESV)

Grace be with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible; Ephesians 6:24(ESV) for you know those who are yours, and give to all who name the name of Christ to depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19(ESV)

We pray for all who believe in Christ, that they may all be one; John 17:20-21(ESV) and since there is one body and one Spirit and one hope that belongs to our call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, Ephesians 4:4-6(ESV) give to all Christians to be of one heart and one way. Jeremiah 32:39(ESV)

Let the word of the Lord in all places speed ahead, and let it be honored.

Pray for the Conversion of Non-Christians who are Hostile to Christianity

7.0 For the conviction and conversion of atheists, deists, and infidels, and of all who are out of the way of truth, and of profane scoffers and those who disgrace Christianity by their vicious and immoral lives.

O teach transgressors your ways, and let sinners return to you. Psalm 51:13(ESV)

O give them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25(ESV) the truth as it is in Jesus, Ephesians 4:21(ESV) the truth which accords with godliness; Titus 1:1(ESV) that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil. 2 Timothy 2:26(ESV)

Let those who are straying like sheep return to Jesus Christ, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. 1 Peter 2:25(ESV)

Show those fools their folly and misery who have said in their hearts, “There is no God,” and who are corrupt and do abominable deeds. Psalm 14:1(ESV)

Lord, maintain the honor of the Scriptures, the teaching and the testimony, and convince those who speak not according to that word, that it is because they have no dawn. Isaiah 8:20(ESV) You have exalted above all things your name and your word; Psalm 138:2(ESV)magnify the law, magnify the gospel, and make both glorious. Isaiah 42:21(ESV)

Let those who will not be won by the word, be won by the conduct of Christians, 1 Peter 3:1(ESV) which we beg may be such in everything that those who do not believe may be convicted by all and called to account by all, may be brought to worship God and to declare that God is really among them.

Pray for the Health, Purity, and Holiness of the Church

8.0 For the amending of everything that is amiss in the church, the reviving of primitive Christianity and the power of godliness, and, to that end, the pouring out of the Spirit.

Lord, let your Spirit be poured out upon your churches from on high, and then the wilderness shall become a fruitful field; Isaiah 32:12(ESV) then justice shall return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Psalm 94:15(ESV)

Let what remains be put into order, Titus 1:5(ESV) and let every plant that is not of our heavenly Father’s planting be rooted up. Matthew 15:13(ESV)

Let the Lord whom we seek come to his temple like a refiner’s fire and fullers’ soap, and let him purify the sons of Levi and all the seed of Israel, and refine them like gold and silver, that they may bring offerings of righteousness to the LORD, pleasing offerings to the LORD as in the days of old, as in former years. Malachi 3:2-4(ESV)

Let religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, flourish and prevail everywhere: James 1:27(ESV) that kingdom of God among men, which is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17(ESV) O revive this work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; Habakkuk 3:2(ESV) and let these times be times of reformation.

Pray for the Defeat of the Enemies of the Church

9.0 For the breaking of the power of all the enemies of the church and the defeating of all their designs against her.

Let all who set themselves, and take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, who would burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from them, plot in vain. Let him who sits in the heavens laugh at them and hold them in derision; speak to them in your wrath, and terrify them in your fury. Psalm 2:1-5(ESV) Give them, O LORD, what you will give them; give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. Hosea 9:14(ESV)

O our God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind; Psalm 83:13(ESV) fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD, Psalm 83:16(ESV) and that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83:18(ESV)

Put them in fear, O LORD, that the nations may know that they are but men! Psalm 9:20(ESV) And wherein the proud enemies of your church deal arrogantly, make it to appear that you are above them. Exodus 18:11(ESV)

May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward! Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up. Psalm 129:5-6(ESV)

Let no weapon fashioned against your church succeed, and let every tongue that rises against it in judgment be confuted. Isaiah 54:17(ESV)

Make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples, and let all that lift it hurt themselves, though all the nations of the earth should gather against it; Zechariah 12:3(ESV) so may all your enemies perish, O LORD, but let your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might. Judges 5:31(ESV)

Lord, let the man of lawlessness be killed with the breath of your mouth and brought to nothing by the appearance of your coming: 2 Thessalonians 2:8(ESV) And let those be undeceived who have long been under the power of strong delusions to believe what is false, and let them love the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11(ESV)

Let Babylon fall and sink like a millstone into the sea; Revelation 18:21(ESV) and let the kings of the earth who have given their royal power and honor to the beast, Revelation 17:17(ESV) be wrought upon at length to bring them into the new Jerusalem. Revelation 21:26(ESV)

Pray for the Relief of Suffering Churches and Persecuted Christians

10.0 For the relief of suffering churches and the support, comfort, and deliverance of all who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

We desire in our prayers to remember those who are in prison for the testimony of Jesus, as in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since we also are in the body. Hebrews 13:3(ESV) O send from on high and rescue them from those who hate them, Psalm 18:16-17(ESV)and bring them out into a broad place. Psalm 18:19(ESV)

O let not the scepter of wickedness rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous should stretch out their hands to do wrong. Psalm 125:3(ESV)

Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in days of old, as in the generations of long ago, and make the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed of the Lord to pass over. Isaiah 51:9-10(ESV)

Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, arise now, O LORD, and place them in the safety for which they long. Psalm 12:5(ESV)

O strengthen the endurance and faith of your suffering saints, Revelation 13:10(ESV) that they may wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:26(ESV)

O let the year of your redemption come, Isaiah 63:4(ESV) and the year of recompense for the cause of Zion. Isaiah 34:8(ESV)

O that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion; and when the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. Psalm 14:7(ESV)

O let not the downtrodden turn back in shame, but let the poor and needy praise your name. Psalm 74:21(ESV)

Lord, arise and have pity on Zion, and let the time to favor her, the appointed time, come; Psalm 102:13(ESV) indeed, let the LORD build up Zion and appear in his glory. Lord, regard the prayer of the destitute and do not despise their prayer. Psalm 102:16-17(ESV)

O Lord GOD, please cease: How can Jacob stand, for he is so small? Amos 7:5(ESV) O make your face to shine upon that part of your sanctuary, which is desolate, for your own sake, O Lord. Daniel 9:17(ESV)

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you, and according to your great power, preserve those who for your name’s sake are doomed to die. Psalm 79:11(ESV)

Let those whose teachers have been removed, again see their teachers, though they have the bread of adversity and the water of affliction.

Pray for the Nations of the World and for your Own Nation

11.0 For the nations around us and all the countries of the world.

You, LORD, rule over the nations: Psalm 22:28(ESV) Who will not fear you, O King of the nations? Jeremiah 10:7(ESV) You sit on the throne, giving righteous judgment; Psalm 9:4(ESV) judge the world therefore with righteousness, and judge the peoples with uprightness. Psalm 9:8(ESV)

Lord, hasten the time when you will make wars cease to the end of the earth; Psalm 46:9(ESV) when nation shall no more lift up sword against nation, nor kingdom against kingdom, but swords shall be beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, and they shall not learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:4(ESV)

Make kings foster fathers, and their queens nursing mothers, to the Israel of God. Isaiah 49:23(ESV)

And in the days of these kings, let the God of heaven set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, Daniel 2:44(ESV) even the kingdom of the Redeemer. And whatever purposes there are in men’s minds, Lord, let
your purposes stand, Proverbs 19:21(ESV) and fulfill the plans of your heart to all generations. Psalm 33:11(ESV)
12.0 For our own land and nation, which we ought in a special manner to seek the welfare of, that in its peace we may have peace.
12.1 We must be thankful to God for his mercies to our land.

We bless you that you have planted us on a very fertile hill, Isaiah 5:1(ESV)and have not given the arid plain for our home or the salt land for our dwelling place, Job 39:6(ESV) but the land we inhabit yields her increase. Psalm 85:12(ESV)

Lord, you have been favorable to our land. Psalm 85:1(ESV) We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed for us in their days, and in the times of old; Psalm 44:1(ESV) and as we have heard, so have we seen, for we have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. Psalm 48:8-9(ESV)

You have given us a pleasant land, Jeremiah 3:19(ESV) it is Immanuel’s land, Isaiah 8:8(ESV) it is a valley of vision; Isaiah 22:1(ESV) you have set up your tabernacle among us, and your sanctuary is in the midst of us. Ezekiel 37:26-27(ESV)

We live safely under our own vine and fig tree, 1 Kings 4:25(ESV) and there is peace to him who goes out and to him who comes in. 2 Chronicles 15:5(ESV)

And because the Lord loved our people, therefore he has set a good government over us, to execute justice and righteousness; 1 Kings 10:9(ESV) to be a terror to bad conduct, and a protection and praise to those who do what is good. Romans 13:3(ESV)
12.2 We must be humbled before God for our national sins and provocations.

But we are a sinful people, a people laden with iniquity, an offspring of evildoers; Isaiah 1:4(ESV) and we have a great deal of reason to sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed among us. Ezekiel 9:4(ESV)

Iniquity abounds among us, and the love of many has grown cold. Matthew 24:12(ESV)

We have not been forsaken nor forgotten by God, though our land is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel. Jeremiah 51:5(ESV)

Pray Earnestly for National Mercies and the Blessing of the Gospel Ministry in your Nation

12.3 We must pray earnestly for national mercies.
12.3.1 For the favors of God to us and the tokens of his presence among us, as that in which the happiness of our nation is bound up.

O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, be not like a stranger in the land or like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night; but be always in the midst of us: We are called by your name, O do not leave us. Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O LORD, for your name’s sake; though our backslidings are many, and we have sinned against you. Jeremiah 14:7-9(ESV)

Restore us to yourself, O Lord GOD of hosts, and let your face shine, that we may be saved! O stir up your might and come to save us! Psalm 80:2-3(ESV)

Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation; Psalm 85:7(ESV) yes, let your salvation be near to those who fear you, that glory may dwell in our land. Let steadfast love and faithfulness meet, righteousness and peace kiss each other: Let faithfulness spring up from the ground and righteousness look down from the sky; yes, let the LORD give what is good: Let righteousness go before him and make his footsteps a way. Psalm 85:9-13(ESV)
12.3.2 For the continuance of the gospel among us and the means of grace, and a national profession of Christ’s holy religion.

O let the throne of Christ endure forever among us, Psalm 45:6(ESV) even the place of your sanctuary, that glorious throne set on high from the beginning. Jeremiah 17:12(ESV)

Let our lampstand never be removed from its place, though that is what we deserve, because we have abandoned the love we had at first. Revelation 2:4-5(ESV) Never do to us as you did to your place that was in
Shiloh, where you made your name dwell at first. Jeremiah 7:12(ESV)

Let us never know what a famine of the word means; nor ever be forced to wander from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth, to seek the word of God. Amos 8:11-12(ESV)

O Lord, be the stability of our times, our abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; and let the fear of the LORD be our treasure: Isaiah 33:6(ESV) Let the righteous flourish among us, and let there be those who fear you in our land, while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations; that peace may abound, Psalm 72:5-7(ESV) and the children yet to be created may praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18(ESV)

Pray for the Continuance of your Nation's Outward Peace and Tranquility

12.3.3 For the continuance of our outward peace and tranquility, our liberty and plenty, for the prosperity of our trade, and a blessing upon the fruits of the earth.

Let God himself be a wall of fire all around us and the glory in the midst of us; Zechariah 2:5(ESV) yes, let his gospel be our glory, and upon all that glory let there be a defense; and create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Isaiah 4:5(ESV)

Peace be within our borders and security within our towers, Psalm 122:7(ESV) the prosperity both of merchandise and husbandry, that Zebulun may rejoice in his going out and Issachar in his tents. Deuteronomy 33:18(ESV)

Set up salvation for us as walls and bulwarks; and, to that end, let the gates be opened, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Isaiah 26:1-2(ESV)

Make our overseers peace and our taskmasters righteousness; let violence never be heard in our gates, devastation or destruction in our borders, but let our walls be called Salvation and our gates Praise: Isaiah 60:17-18(ESV) Never let our land be termed Forsaken and Desolate, but let the Lord delight in us, and let our land be married to him. Isaiah 62:4(ESV)

Let our peace be like a river and, to that end, our righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18(ESV) Let that righteousness abound among us that exalts a nation, and deliver us from sin, which is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34(ESV)

Never make our heavens as bronze and our earth as iron, Deuteronomy 28:23(ESV)nor take back your grain in its time and your wine in its season; Hosea 2:9(ESV) but give us rain moderately, the early and the latter rains in their seasons, Joel 2:23(ESV) and keep for us the weeks appointed for the harvest, Jeremiah 5:24(ESV) giving us fair weather also in its season. Let our land yield its increase and the trees their fruit, that we may eat our bread to the full and dwell in our land securely. Leviticus 26:4-5(ESV)

Abundantly bless our provisions and satisfy our poor with bread, Psalm 132:15(ESV) that those who garner it may eat it and praise the LORD. Isaiah 62:9(ESV) Do not blow it away, for then when we look for much, it will come to little; Haggai 1:9(ESV) but bless our blessings, that all nations may call us blessed and a land of delight. Malachi 3:10-12(ESV)

Pray for the Moral Decency and Civility of your Nation

12.3.4 For the success of all endeavors for the reformation of manners, the suppression of vice and profaneness, the support of religion and virtue, and the bringing of them into reputation.

O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and establish the righteous – you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God. Psalm 7:9(ESV) Spirit many to rise up for you against the wicked and to stand up for you against evildoers. Psalm 94:16(ESV)

Let the Deliverer come to Zion and banish ungodliness from Jacob; Romans 11:26(ESV) and let the filth of Jerusalem be cleansed from its midst by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning. Isaiah 4:4(ESV)

Let all wickedness shut its mouth; Psalm 107:42(ESV) and let the infection of that plague be stayed by intervening judgment. Psalm 106:30(ESV)

Let those who are struggling against sin never grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3-4(ESV)

Remove the spirit of uncleanness from the land, Zechariah 13:2(ESV) and change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that they may call upon the name of the LORD. Zephaniah 3:9(ESV)

Set us high above all nations in praise and in fame and in honor by making us a people holy to the LORD our God. Deuteronomy 26:19(ESV)

Pray for the Healing of your Nation's Unhappy Divisions and Success Against your Nation's Enemies

12.3.5 For the healing of our unhappy divisions and the making up of our breaches.

For the divisions that are among us, there are great searchings of heart; Judges 5:16(ESV) for there are three against two and two against three in a house. Luke 12:52(ESV) But is the breach as vast as the sea, which cannot be healed? Lamentations 2:13(ESV) Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of our people not been restored? Jeremiah 8:22(ESV) Lord, repair the breaches of our land, for because of them it totters. Psalm 60:2(ESV)

We beg in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that there may be no divisions among us, but that we be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10(ESV)

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 15:5-6(ESV) and promote the common salvation. Jude 1:3(ESV)

Lord, keep us from judging one another and despising one another, Romans 14:10(ESV) and give us to pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding; Romans 14:19(ESV) that living in love and peace, the

God of love and peace may be with us. 2 Corinthians 13:11(ESV)

Let nothing be done from rivalry or conceit, but in humility let us count others more significant than ourselves; Philippians 2:3(ESV) and grant that our reasonableness may be known to everyone, because the Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5(ESV)
12.3.6 For victory and success against our enemies abroad who seek our ruin.

Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you, but return, O LORD, to the ten thousand thousands of your Israel. Numbers 10:35-36(ESV)

Grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man. With God let our forces do valiantly; yes, let God himself tread down our foes, Psalm 60:11-12(ESV) and make them like dust with your sword and like driven stubble with your bow. Isaiah 41:2(ESV)

Let us be a people saved by the LORD, as the shield of our help and the sword of our triumph; Deuteronomy 33:29(ESV) and make our enemies sensible that the LORD fights for us against them. Exodus 14:25(ESV)

Those who risk their lives to the death for us on the heights of the field, Judges 5:18(ESV) train their hands for war and their fingers for battle; Psalm 144:1(ESV) give them the shield of your salvation, and let your right hand support them, Psalm 18:35(ESV) and cover their heads in the day of battle. Psalm 140:7(ESV)

Pray for your Head of State

12.3.7 For all orders and degrees of men among us, and all we stand in any relation to.

For our Head of State, that God will protect his person, preserve his health, and continue his life and government long a public blessing.

Give our ruler your justice, O God, and your righteousness, Psalm 72:1(ESV) that he may defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor. Psalm 72:4(ESV)

Let his rule be established with righteousness, Proverbs 25:5(ESV) and upheld with steadfast love. Proverbs 20:28(ESV) Give him long life and length of days forever and ever, and let his glory be great through your salvation. Make him glad with the joy of your presence: through the steadfast love of the Most High let him not be moved. Psalm 21:4-7(ESV)

Clothe his enemies with shame, but let him shine; Psalm 132:18(ESV) and continue him long, very long, as a foster father to your Israel. Isaiah 49:23(ESV)

Pray for the Safe and Righteous Continuation of your Civil Government

12.3.8 For the safe and righteous continuation of our civil government, that a blessing may attend it, that peace and truth may be established in our days and secured to posterity, and that the hopes of our adversaries and all their aiders and abettors may be extinguished.

Lord, preserve to us the lamp that you have prepared for your Anointed, Psalm 132:17(ESV) that the next generation may know you, even the children yet unborn, that they may set their hope in God and keep his commandments. Psalm 78:6-7(ESV)

Let the gospel-believing church abide before God forever: Appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over it, so we will ever sing praises to your name. Psalm 61:7-8(ESV) Thus, let the Lord save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and the offspring of your servants shall inherit it, and those who love your name shall dwell in it. Psalm 69:35-36(ESV)

Let their design who would choose a leader to go back to Egypt, Numbers 14:4(ESV) be again defeated; and let not the mortal wound that has been given to the beast be healed anymore. Revelation 13:11-12(ESV)

Let our eyes see Jerusalem, the city of our appointed feasts, an untroubled habitation, an immovable tent: Let none of its stakes be plucked up, nor any of its cords be broken, but let the LORD in majesty be for us a place of broad rivers and streams; for the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king, he will save us.

Pray for all who are Employed in the Conduct of Public Affairs

12.3.9 For the advisers, cabinet members, members of Congress or Parliament, the ambassadors and envoys abroad, and all who are employed in the conduct of public affairs.

Counsel our counselors, and teach our elders wisdom: Psalm 105:22(ESV) O give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and might, a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD, to make them delight in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2-3(ESV)

O do not deprive of speech those who are trusted nor take away the discernment of the elders, Job 12:20(ESV) nor ever let the things that belong to the nation’s peace be hidden from the eyes of those who are instructed with the nation’s counsels. Luke 19:42(ESV)

Make it to appear that you have taken your place in the divine council and hold judgment in the midst of the gods, Psalm 82:1(ESV) and that when the princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of
Abraham, the God of Abraham himself is among them; and let the shields of the earth belong to the Lord, that he may be highly exalted. Psalm 47:9(ESV)

Let there be those among us who rebuild our ancient ruins and raise up the foundations of many generations, that they may be called the repairers of the breaches and restorers of streets to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12(ESV)

Pray for your Judges and Judicial Rulers

12.3.10 For the magistrates, the judges, and justices of peace in the several counties and corporations.

Make those who rule over us just, ruling in the fear of God; 2 Samuel 23:3(ESV)and let those who judge remember that they judge not for man but for the LORD, who is with them in giving judgment, that therefore the fear of the LORD may be upon them. 2 Chronicles 19:6-7(ESV)

Make them able men and trustworthy, men who fear God and hate a bribe, Exodus 18:21(ESV) that justice may run down like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24(ESV)

Enable our magistrates to defend the weak and fatherless, to maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute, to rescue the weak and the needy, and to deliver them from the hand of the wicked; Psalm 82:3-4(ESV) and let governors never be a terror to good works, but to the evil. Romans 13:4(ESV)

Pray for the Ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments

12.3.11 For all the ministers of God’s holy word and sacraments, the masters of assemblies.

Teach your ministers how they ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, 1 Timothy 3:15(ESV)that they may not preach themselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:5(ESV) and may do their best to present themselves approved to God, workmen who have no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15(ESV)

Make them competent in the Scriptures, Acts 18:24(ESV) that from them they may be equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:17(ESV) in teaching showing integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned. Titus 2:7-8(ESV)

Enable them to give attendance to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching; to practice these things; 1 Timothy 4:13-15(ESV) to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word; Acts 6:4(ESV) to immerse themselves in them and to persist in them, that they may save both themselves and their hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-16(ESV)

Let words be given to them in opening their mouths boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, that they may speak as they ought to speak, Ephesians 6:19-20(ESV) as competent ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; 2 Corinthians 3:6(ESV) and let them by the Lord’s mercy be trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 7:25(ESV)

Let the arms of their hands be made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob; Genesis 49:24(ESV) and let them be full of power by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Micah 3:8(ESV) to show your people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1(ESV)

Make them sound in the faith, Titus 1:13(ESV) and enable them always to teach what accords with sound doctrine, Titus 2:1(ESV) correcting their opponents with gentleness; and let not the Lord’s servants be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach. 2 Timothy 2:24-25(ESV)

Make them good examples to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity; 1 Timothy 4:12(ESV) and let them purify themselves who bear the vessels of the Lord, Isaiah 52:11(ESV) and let HOLY
TO THE LORD be written upon their foreheads. Exodus 28:36(ESV)

Lord, grant that they may not labor in vain or spend their strength for nothing and vanity, Isaiah 49:4(ESV) but let the hand of the Lord be with them, that many may believe and turn to the Lord. Acts 11:21(ESV)

Pray for the Educational Institutions and Common Citizens of your Nation

12.3.12 For all the universities, schools, and nurseries of learning.

Let the schools of the prophets be replenished with every good gift and every perfect gift from above, from the Father of lights. James 1:17(ESV)

Throw salt into these fountains and heal its waters, 2 Kings 2:21(ESV) so that from them may issue streams that shall make glad the city of our God, the holy habitation of the Most High. Psalm 46:4(ESV)
12.3.13 For the common people of the land.

Give grace to all the subjects of this land, that they may, under the government God has set over us, lead peaceful and quiet lives, godly and dignified in every way, 1 Timothy 2:2(ESV) dwelling together in unity, that the Lord may command a blessing upon us, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3(ESV)

Let everyone of every denomination who fears God and works righteousness, be acceptable to him; Acts 10:35(ESV) yes, let such as love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servants.” Psalm 35:27(ESV)

Pray for the Young and the Old

12.3.14 For the several ages and conditions of men, as they stand in need of mercy and grace.

For those who are young and setting out in the world.

Lord, give to those who are young to remember their Creator in the days of their youth; Ecclesiastes 12:1(ESV) that thereby they may be kept from the vanity which childhood and youth are subject to, and may be restrained from walking in the way of their heart and in the sight of their eyes, by considering that for all these things God will bring them into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9(ESV)

Lord, make young people self-controlled; Titus 2:6(ESV) and let the word of God abide in them, that they may be strong and may overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14(ESV)

From the womb of the morning let Christ have the dew of your youth; Psalm 110:3(ESV) and let him be formed in the hearts of those who are young. Galatians 4:19(ESV)

Keep those who are setting out in the world from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire; 2 Peter 1:4(ESV) and give to those who have been well-educated, to hold fast the pattern of sound words, 2 Timothy 1:13(ESV) and to continue in what they have learned. 2 Timothy 3:14(ESV)
12.3.15 For those who are old and of long standing in profession.

There are some who are old disciples of Jesus Christ; Acts 21:16(KJV) Lord, give them still to bear fruit in old age, to declare that the LORD is upright, that he is their Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:14-15(ESV)

Now the evil days have come and the years of which they say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1(ESV) let your consolations cheer their souls. Psalm 94:19(ESV)

You have said, “Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.” You have made them, Lord; we beg you, bear, yes, do carry and save them. Isaiah 46:4(ESV)

Those whom you have taught from their youth up and to whom you still proclaim your wondrous deeds, now, also, when they are old and gray headed, Psalm 71:17-18(ESV) forsake them not; cast them not off in the time of old age; forsake them not when their strength is spent. Psalm 71:9(ESV)

Let every gray head be a crown of glory to those who have it, being gained in a righteous life, Proverbs 16:31(ESV) and give them to know whom they have believed. 2 Timothy 1:12(ESV)

Pray for the Rich and the Poor, your Enemies and your Friends

12.3.16 For those who are rich and prosperous in the world, some of whom perhaps need prayers as much as those who request them.

Lord, keep those who are rich in this present age from being haughty and setting their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, and give them to trust in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy: That they may do good and be rich in good works, generous and ready to share; that they may store up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future. 1 Timothy 6:17-19(ESV)

Though it is hard for those who are rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven, yet with you this is possible. Matthew 19:24-26(ESV)
12.3.17 For those who are poor and in affliction, for such we have always with us.

Lord, make those who are poor in the world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, James 2:5(ESV) and give to them to receive the gospel.

O that the poor of the flock may wait upon you and may know the word of the LORD. Zechariah 11:11(ESV)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous; good Lord, deliver them out of them all. Psalm 34:19(ESV) And though for the moment all affliction seems painful rather than pleasant; nevertheless, later let it yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11(ESV)
12.3.18 For our enemies and those who hate us.

Lord, give us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us and persecute us. Matthew 5:44(ESV)

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do; Luke 23:34(ESV) and do not hold their malice against them; Acts 7:60(ESV) and work in us a disposition to bear with others and forgive in love, Colossians 3:13(ESV) as you require we should whenever we pray. Mark 11:25(ESV)

And grant that our ways may so please the LORD, that even our enemies may be at peace with us. Proverbs 16:7(ESV)

Let the wolf dwell with the lamb, Isaiah 11:6(ESV) and let there be none to hurt or destroy in all your holy mountain; Isaiah 11:9(ESV) let Ephraim not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah harass Ephraim. Isaiah 11:13(ESV)
12.3.19 For our friends and those who love us.

And we wish for all those whom we love in truth, that all may go well with them and that they may be in good health; we especially pray that it may go well with their souls. 2 John 1:2(ESV)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with their spirits. Philemon 1:25(ESV)